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21”
LOT 1012
British Retailer Marked Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 61362, 38 WCF cal., 22 inch part
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 22 inch 1/2
LOT 1011 Rare Documented Special Order 21 Inch Barrel Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Short Rifle - Serial no. 57421, 40-82 WCF cal., 21 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1891 with the standard two-line Winchester address and caliber marking on the top flat of the exceptionally scarce, special order, 21 inch barrel. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with a smooth rifle-length forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included copy of the factory letter confirms the current configuration including the special order barrel length when it was received at the warehouse on 22 June 1891 and shipped the next day with one other gun to order number 6042. The included copy of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter states that having searched their records, only five Model 1886 rifles were listed as leaving the factory with 21 inch barrels, with this example being one of the them, making this short rifle incredibly rare. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina overall with some scattered light surface pitting and traces of silvered case colors. The wood is also very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A rare and desirable variation of the Winchester Model 1886! Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine and shotgun buttplate. The rifle was received in the warehouse
on September 23, 1880 and shipped the same day. The letter also lists an
August 20, 1881 return date. The British retailer marking is stamped on the upper right and left barrel flats: “J. BURROW. 116 FISHERGATE PRESTON” on the right and “FOR
38 WINCHESTER 1873 SMOKELESS CARTRIDGES” on the left. The firm James Burrow was established in 1817. British proofs are present
on the upper left barrel flat and left side of the receiver at the breech. The top barrel flat and the dust cover rail on the receiver are matted. The wavy type
matting appears period non-factory as the barrel lacks the Winchester factory legend marking. “.38 CAL” is factory marked on the top barrel flat at the breech. The most of the screw
heads have subsequently been embellished with floral blossom engraving. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, a four leaf express rear sight graduated from 50 to 200 yards, and tang peep sight. The receiver is a second model with the dust cover rail secured by two screws (one screw absent) and a dust cover with serrations at the rear. The “X” deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. The left side of the lower tang is marked “X” and “59.” CONDITION: Very good. The barrel retains 40% period retailer refinished blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The receiver retains traces of silvered out original case colors in the protected areas and has some mild pitting. Touch up is present on the dust cover. Slight traces of original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. The refinished buttstock is good as it has been repaired in the grip area and has re-cut checkering. The forearm is very good with a splice repair (left side), absent chip (right side), a couple hairline cracks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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Collector’s Fact
This rare Winchester Model 1886 short rifle is 1 of only 5 produced with a 21 inch barrel, based on Buffalo Bill Historical Center research.